– By #Powder House Lodge
While the Black Hills are abuzz with visitors during the summer months, the area remains a hotspot throughout the year for those seeking world-class entertainment, dining, shopping and outdoor fun. The beautiful spring months leading up to vacation season make for a particularly attractive time to visit, with blooming flowers and singing birds adding to the region’s appeal. From exploring attractions to taking part in a special Easter celebration, spring offers a unique opportunity to experience what the area has to offer in a whole new way. Read on to learn three of the many reasons you need to plan a spring Black Hills getaway!
#1 – Appreciate Nature’s Spring Beauty
April showers bring May flowers, making the Black Hills an especially gorgeous sight as flora begins to bloom each spring. Not to mention, the mild weather makes for a pleasant day spent outdoors. Just be prepared for anything – the region is notorious for fast weather changes! Your best bet is to pack layers, and always keep your eye out for afternoon rain! Head to the following Black Hills event to get a little closer to nature:
- First Day of National Park Week – April 18th, 2020
Have you ever wondered what the Badlands of South Dakota are all about? Well, April 18th is the perfect day to find out! On the first day of National Park Week, entrance fees to the Badlands are waived in honor of the event. April is the perfect time of year to visit the park too – the weather is beautiful and the busy tourist season hasn’t kicked in yet. Embrace this combination and take your time to soak in all the beauty and wonder you’ll find throughout the vast landscape. If that’s not enough to entice you, the photos you’ll find here are worth a thousand words!
#2 – Have an Easter To Remember
Forget about the standard Easter egg hunt here – take part in a one-of-a-kind holiday bash that your family will talk about for years to come! If you’ll be in the area during Easter weekend, add a stop to one of the following:
- Spring Fling Fun & Glow Egg Hunt at Rushmore Mountain Adventure Park – April 11th and 12th, 2002
For a unique twist on traditional Easter egg hunts, look no further than the Glow Egg Hunt at Rushmore Mountain Adventure Park right here in Keystone. Count the glowing eggs as you venture through Rushmore Cave, and you may be lucky enough to win the mysterious GRAND PRIZE! But that’s not all – the event also features face painting, games, an Easter Bunny photo op and prizes galore. Once you’re done with the holiday festivities, be sure to check out the Rushmore Mountain Coaster, the 2- seated zip line ride, and more! Interested? Get the full details here!
- Eggstravaganza – April 11, 2020
Each year, Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City hosts the area’s biggest Easter egg hunt, complete with plenty of family-family activities and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny! The hunt starts at 11 a.m., and there will be a special area for children ages 0-3 to gather eggs. Visit Main Street Square’s website for more information.
#3 – Join in on Opening Day
Many of the area’s biggest attractions open their doors for the first time of the season in May, and an early visit to the area will allow you to take part in all of the festivities that are planned for the grand re-opening! Here are some of the big openings happening this spring:
- Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony – May 22nd, 2020
Lighting ceremonies are held at one of the most iconic landmarks in America each night from the Friday before Memorial Day to the end of September. Friday, May 22nd marks the first lighting ceremony of the summer season – a spectacle you don’t want to miss! Read more about visiting Mount Rushmore in our Itinerary Builder.
- Legends in Light Laser Show at Crazy Horse Memorial – May 22nd, 2020
Crazy Horse Memorial, a titanic mountainside sculpture paying tribute to Native American hero Crazy Horse, gets turned into a giant screen each year, displaying wonderful visuals and delightful animations choreographed with music and sound effects. Their Legends in Light Laser Show starts on May 22nd and is performed nightly through September 27th. Add a visit to Crazy Horse to your itinerary!
Spring is truly a great time of the year to enjoy the Black Hills, and as South Dakotans, we invite you to find out for yourself why we’re so glad to call this our home. Happy travels!
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